[Persistant danger of smallpox and necessity of continuing mandatory smallpox vaccination in France].

The WHO stated a short time ago that the total eradication of smallpox would occur shortly. This announcement has been contradicted by an epidemic of smallpox in Somaila which in spite of the energetic measures taken, remained in the capital from August 1976 to January 1977 then extended to 10 regions out of 16 with from January 1977 to 18 June 1977, 1 567 cases of smallpox. This is only a provisional estimation as it is increasing every week. In view of the ease and rapidity of airline communication, it is very possible that infected subjects or products arrive in France, it is necessary for doctors to be warned and counteract the present tendancy to neglect the legal requirement for smallpox vaccination.